Passage of Time

"It's getting late, sonny boy! The school bus will be here anytime. Let me help you with the socks while you finish your breakfast." I said as I glanced at the clock.

"Mom, we are running late for the convocation ceremony. Allow me to help you so we can be on the roads soon." said the same boy, 21 years later, as he helped me with the socks due to my arthritic hips. 

Embracing the inevitability of time is crucial in navigating the waters of life. We must keep rowing our boat to make a difference in this lifetime. 

 In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a loving relationship with an adult child. What happens when a significant child in one’s life becomes an adult?  How did the relationship shift? What is the importance of the new dynamic? Go where the prompt leads!

Energy Medicine

"How can I help you today?" asked the practitioner as she registered her client for her upcoming healing session.

"Oh! I've been having anxiety, lower back pain, and difficulty expressing myself," said Kisna with a long deep sigh!

With a confident nod, Dolly gave a gentle smile and said, "I know exactly which chakra is acting up. Lay on the table, and I'll be back to start your session." 

With dim lights and a piece of gentle background music, Dolly started brushing Kisna's dense aura with a murmur, "Up and away!" 

That was followed by chakra balancing and grounding. 

 In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story using the phrase, “up and away.” You can imagine a story from the photo of hot air balloons, a flying superhero, a natural wonder, or any other direction your inspiration goes. Go where the prompt leads!

Sugar = Happiness

 "No, mom. I can't have this. I've given up sugar." Pari said with a stern face alternating between her mom and the Jalebi. 

"You're so skinny that I fear that you might disappear from the face of this planet one day. And now you want to adapt to this new regime," argued her mom with a dirty look.

Pari gave a loud snort, " I'll never disappear physically, but yes, I'm sure my weight will reduce by giving up sugar, and all my health issues might go into remission." 

"Sugar gives happiness, my child?" 

"Aah! that's just a perception." 

: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about disappearance. It can be an event, act, or subtle theme. Who or what disappears? Does it fade or explode? Can it be explained or experienced? Go where the prompt leads!

Water Gun Play

 

I woke up to a loud squeak. 

"What's happening?" I inquired with urgency. 

I saw my children play with water guns in the house. 

"No! we don't play with squirt guns." I disapproved while staring at the wet couch and puddles of water everywhere. 

"But why, mom. It's summertime." they protested in unison.

I took a deep sigh as if I agreed with what they had just said, directed them outdoors.

They both looked confused since the sun was over their head. 

 With a grin, I said, "Carry on! Make a mess; wet all that you want; it'll dry."

 In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story using the phrase “carry on.” It can be an expression of perseverance or behaving in a particular way. It can even be luggage you take when traveling. Go where the prompt leads!

Steady Gallop

Being an empty nester has more pros than cons. The house is cleaner than before, with not much on the to-do list. The driving from one class to another is bygone. The constant chattering and the back n fourth arguments are on silent mode. 

Over the years, we've taught him the values of Life by discriminating right from wrong and emphasized discipline, respect, and hard work. 

Now, it's time to sit back and watch the show. 

Hopefully, it'll be a stable rhythmic ride where the kiddo will learn new things and move forward with steady gallop like a stallion. 

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In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a Big Black Horse. It can be a horse, a metaphor or an interpretation of KT Tunstall’s “Big Black Horse and a Cherry Tree.” Go where the prompt leads!

When Distances become Small

Before the Pandemic, I used to see my clients in person for their healing sessions. 

When the Pandemic struck, energy medicine continued to shine; I can still add a personal touch to each session via Zoom, thanks to technology. 

Energy has no boundaries when there is knowledge and the right intention.  

Today Distance healing is the new norm as I continue to channel the universal energy while setting the intention for my client's welfare. 

Today, the office setting has changed, but the end product remains the same: people continue to smile as their ailments fizzle with no side effects. 

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I can be found at: http://explorereikiworld.com/

June 10, 2021, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a new way to office. Has the office changed? 

Life on a Leash

 

"Where are you going?"

"Umm, I was planning on going to the mall," said Neena in a meek voice.

"Why? In an hour, it'll be time for my tea." said the master authoritatively, "And won't the endless walking in the mall make you tired?" 

There was silence.

"Go and rest till your next chore rather than galavanting." said the 65-year-old lady in a commanding tone. 

Neena gave out a long sigh as she dragged her feet into the 4*4 room, " I wish I had not taken an advance from my master. I'm on a leash until six months." 

In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story being leashed. Is it literal or metaphorical? Who or what is leashed. How does it set the tone? Go where the prompt leads!

Travel Plans

 In November, my family and I decided to trek the redwoods. 

The fog, chirp of birds, and redwoods combined to create a calm, moist environment, like the cloud forests. 

 Just then, a buzzing noise caught our attention, and it started getting louder with each second. 

"What's that noise?" asked my son.    

We looked yonder and saw a grey cloud coming our way.

"Duck" was my instant command.

We gave way to them. The swarm of insects passed by us within seconds as if they were on a mission. 

They didn't bother us since we didn't disturb their travel plans. 

In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that includes tiny flying insects. Think about how the insects shape the scene or add to the action. Go where the prompt leads!

The Young Gardener

"Aargh, my hands are dirty." cried a five-year-old Pedro as he raises them in the air and flaps them irritatingly. 

"That's alright," came the mom to his rescue as she dusted them off and kissed those fingertips, "Look at the plant you just put in the soil."

Little Pedro saw the marigold and went his way. 

A week went by; the tiny plant had two new buds. 

Pedro was noticing it all this while. 

Then one fine day, mom saw him bend over and kiss the flower. 

"The flower is so happy," he said as he clapped his hands. 

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In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about earthing. Put a character’s hands, feet or body and soul into the earth. Who needs recharging? What happens between the interaction? Go where the prompt leads!

Usain Bolt

"You know, in no time, I'll be the fastest runner on this planet. I'll beat Usain Bolt too," I said to my friend over the telephone as I chewed upon the boiled sweet potatoes that had black salt sprinkled. 

 I saw my Mom grin. 

When I put down the receiver, I inquired. 

"All eat, and no sweat will not make you the fastest runner, sunny boy!" 

"Bolt eats Yam, while I choose to eat Sweet Potatoes that are way more nutritious than the latter. So, for starters, that has notched up my slot." I said with a wide smile. 

  In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that includes sweet potatoes. 

Choices

Today, as I stand on the shores of the Pacific Ocean and observe the waves come crashing, I contemplate upon my life. 

The goals I had in mind, but the choices I made, paved an unknown path. 

It made me wonder why I chose to tread on it? Why didn't I give up and decide to pursue my goals instead? 

Just then, droplets of water fall on my face, and a smile crosses my lips. Aah! It gave me happiness and peace of mind. 

It's impressive how life can flow in a flashback anywhere as a river of consciousness. 

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 January 28, 2021, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about life as a river of consciousness. Think about the possibilities of the prompt. Go where the prompt leads!

Mother Nature

"Can your pebble reach that lotus leaf?" queried the six-year-old Robin as he pointed yonder. 

"Oh, yes! Why not?" I said with confidence as I squinted one eye and aimed for that particular leaf that had that flower blooming next to it. 

Kerplop

"Oh! missed it!"I said with a crooked nose dreading that my nephew might be upset. 

 But instead, I heard a "Wow!" 

I frowned then followed his vision. 

There was a cluster of butterflies in the sky very close to the plop. The kaleidoscope was beautiful, as if maple leaves were flying in the sky. 

Mother Nature!! 

  In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story using the contrasting prompts butterfly and stones. The two can be used in any way in your story. Go where the prompt leads!

The Art of Cooking

“Yummy! did you cook this?” inquired my teen as he licked the last crumbs off his plate.

“Obviously! In this shutdown, I’ve been cooking every day.” I said in an exasperated tone, which was easily caught upon.

“Chill, Mom. I was complimenting your cooking.” 

That praise made me quickly come and hug him since getting appreciated for my cooking was the last thing I had ever dreamed would happen. 

I had become better at planning my meals with limited ingredients, but to make a delicious one was like a cherry on the cake. 

I guess: Practice makes one perfect. 

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  In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about something a character never dreamed would happen.  Go where the prompt leads!Join in the fun at CarrotRanch. 

Virtual Turkey Trot

"Are you ready for tomorrow? What time should I wake you up?" inquired A.

"Do we have to?" asked P with a long sigh.

"Of course! We ought to keep the tradition alive. So what if we can't run the Turkey Trot with people. Let's do it by ourselves." 

"And just like all the times, I'll keep the pie, mashed potatoes, buttermilk biscuits, and lasagna ready." I chipped in with a broad smile to encourage my son. 

"Yum! So everything's the same as old times." He beamed with joy over it, "How does 7 am sound for our 10K?" 

  In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that includes family traditions. It can be related to any holiday or situation. 

My Lemon Queen

"The house looks so clean. Where's my cyclone?" Dad inquired as soon as he entered his home.

"She's mostly been in her room since then. Let me get her." said five-year-old Trisha's Mom.

"Aha! There's my Lemon Queen," he said with glee and was quick to extend his hands towards her. His daughter came towards him with exuberance and landed on his lap.

She placed her tender fingers on his cheek as the dad started to tickle Trisha. Her giggles filled up the room, and the parents' face radiated like the sun from the happiness that she spread year-round. 

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In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that features Lemon Queens. Maybe it’s an ancient fairy tale or a modern brand name. What ideas seep into your imagination? Is there a character or place involved? Go where the prompt leads!

Cooking Aide

"I just can't cook." Sarah lamented.

"Why so?" inquired Leone, who was as earnest in her query as a nurse, would be to her patient.

"Chopping is the key ingredient to sauté anything, and alas! I can't chop onions. They bring tears to my eyes." With that, she gave out a deep sigh that was as cold as if she just landed in the Frigid zone.

Leone was quick to hand a shield to her friend, "Wear this armor before you chop, it will protect you from the sooty vapors that the onions emit, and prevent tears from coming."

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In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that declares, shield your face. It can be a knight of old, a doctor, or a senior citizen. What is the circumstance? Who makes the declaration? Go where the prompt leads!

Our Night

"Clarice! are you ready?" inquired Dad as he stepped into the house after a grueling day at work.

"Nah!" 

He was quick to walk towards her and find his preteen daughter lazing on the couch with a partially opened book on her chest.

"What happened? I thought you were keen to go to this concert?" 

"My friends refuse to come. I'm not the popular girl whose likes are supported by friends," she said in a sulky voice as tears dripped down her chubby cheeks. 

There was a brief pause. 

Then Dad proposed, "How about we make it OUR night." 


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Write a story about Clarice. She can be any Clarice real, historical, or imagined. What story does she have for you to tell? Go where she may lead!

The Library Cat

Liz's eyes went wide as a hawk.

The seat was empty!

After a couple of blinks, she was quick to walk to the librarian, Sasha, who was a wreck.

"What happened? Why did Rainbow escape from her chair?"

"I think Rainbow is bored; she refuses to sit and listen to the children's stories. Now, they are devastated."

After a brief pause, "You go find her, while I'll get the right antidote." said the confident Liz.

She was quick to pick up a handful of Tom and Jerry comics and hand them to the tearful children to read them aloud.

In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a library cat named Rainbow who escapes. 

The Bench

"I am tired."

After giving a glance at her face that glistened with sweat courtesy the bright sun, he said, "Let's take a five-minute break."


Mrs. D was quick to plop on the bench that overlooked the green grass where children were playing ball.

As the north-west wind blew, she flared her nostrils to absorb the energy that'll help her walk home.

While Mr. D gave out a deep sigh as memories flashed in front of him.

He placed his wrinkled hand over his wife and uttered, "Our life has transitioned, but this bench has been constant for us."


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In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a park bench. Join in the fun at CarrotRanch. 

Sweet and Savory Dessert

"Could I please have a big slice of key lime pie without whipped cream?"

I skewed my nose, "It would be so tangy without it. How about some vanilla ice-cream on the side, instead?"

"No!" Natalie was loud and clear.

I could still not digest the fact, and snickered at her, "I hope you're aware that it's a dessert, not an entree."

"Mom, why can't we consider a dessert to be sweet and savory, just like how Life offers us. Happy and not so happy moments in our lives." my 18-year-old inquired in a severe tone, leaving me speechless.

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In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that includes a key lime pie. How can you use it in a story? Is it about the pie? Or about characters making, eating, or otherwise engaging with one? Go where the prompt leads!